Guidance from CDC on Reopening Buildings after Prolonged Shutdowns
It is important to understand that every building or facility in the world is operating on the very edge of becoming a mold-infested disaster. Buildings are meticulously engineered by air handling experts, architects and the like to maintain the proper airflow, temperature, humidity, vapor pressure, balance, etc. etc. It’s a balancing act in which the climate plays a big part. Higher humidity areas of the country contend with the issue much more than more arid parts of the Country. Make no mistake, every building or facility contends with the possibility of mold becoming an issue.
In the first 6 months of a worldwide pandemic, facilities and businesses have either voluntarily shut down or have been forced to shut down. One drive past a local theatre, with the weeds overgrown, and the dried-out lawns, will give you a clue as to the amount of effort that has been made to keep the building maintenance current. Additionally, facility engineers, owners, and maintenance personnel have tried to lower operating or (non-operating) costs by turning the Air Conditioning down, fans and lighting off, and doors shut. Additionally, p-traps and floor drains have all dried out adding to odor and undoubtedly bacteria and mold flowing into the building or facility. All of this has become a “perfect storm” so to speak, for mold to grab a stronghold within the facility. For this reason, the Center for Disease Control has issued a report titled, “Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation” As part of the report, the CDC mentions that mold will grow on building materials where there is moisture, produced from leaks, condensation from roofs, windows, or pipes, or a flood.
Pure Maintenance has a unique patented treatment that is ideal for reopening facilities. Building engineers, managers, and owners should consider the ramifications of reopening a building that may have elevated “mold load”. The CDC recommends testing for mold before reopening. If elevated mold load is detected, the Pure Maintenance 2 step VaPure fog treatment is a Fresh Start to a Healthy Facility.
